PGT-61-164 SureTest Circuit Analyzer
9
VI. GFCI
Testing
To test the GFCI device, the SureTest creates an imbalance between the hot and neutral
conductors by leaking a small amount of current from hot to ground using a fixed value resistor.
The trip current should not be less than 6mA or greater than 9mA per UL-1436. A functional
GFCI should sense a imbalance and disconnect the power. The SureTest displays the actual
trip current in milliamps and trip time in milliseconds.
To conduct a GFCI test, press the GFCI button to enter the GFCI main menu. The GFCI symbol
in the display should be highlighted as the default test. If EPD is lit, then use the side arrow (
→
)
to highlight the GFCI symbol. Then, press the GFCI button to activate the test. The actual
current being leaked to ground is displayed. The TEST icon and hourglass symbol appear on
the display to let the user know that the GFCI test is being performed. The GFCI device should
trip within the UL established guideline causing the display to blank out with the loss of power.
When the FDCI device is reset, the unit displays the actual trip time that the GFCI took to
respond to the current imbalance and open the circuit. Pressing the down arrow button (
↓
)
returns it to the wiring verification mode. If the GFCI fails to trip, the SureTest terminates the test
after 6.5 seconds. Further inspection should determine whether the GFCI circuitry is faulty, the
FDCI is installed incorrectly, or if the circuit is protected by a GFCI device.
UL Guideline
for trip time:
Notes:
1) In order to test a GFCI in a 2-wire system (no ground), the #61-175 ground continuity
adapter (sold separately) must be used. Connect the alligator clip on the adapter to a
ground source, such as to a metal, water or gas pipe.
2) All appliances or equipment on the ground circuit being tested should be unplugged to help
avoid erroneous reading.
In addition to performing a GFCI test for evaluating personal protection from shock hazards, the
SureTest can also conduct testing to ensure equipment protection from ground faults exceeding
30mA. The method of operation is the same as the GFCI test noted in the first paragraph above
but uses a different resistor to create a 30mA leakage current from hot-to-ground. To conduct
an EPD test on a Equipment Protective Device, press the GFCI button to enter the GFCI main
menu. The GFCI symbol in the display should be highlighted as the default test. Press the side
arrow (
→
) button to highlight the EPD symbol. Then, press the GFCI button to activate the test.
The actual current being leaked to ground is displayed. The TEST icon and hourglass symbol
appear on the display to let the user know that the EPD test is being performed. The EPD
should trip causing the display to blank out with the loss of power. When the EPD is reset and
power is restored, the unit displays the actual trip time that the EPD took to respond to the
current imbalance and open the circuit. Pressing the down arrow button (
↓
) returns it to the
wiring verification mode. If the EPD fails to trip, the SureTest terminates the test after 6.5
seconds. Further inspection should determine whether the EPD circuitry is faulty, the EPD is
installed incorrectly, or if the circuit is protected by an EPD.
T = ( )
1.43 Where:
20
I
T = milliseconds (ms)
I = milliamps (mA)